Fiorentina continued their improving form by sweeping Catania aside thanks to their 'goal twins.'

The Viola were boosted by their midweek qualification for the UEFA Cup and could now focus on improving their Serie A position until February. However, they lost Dario Dainelli, Martin Jorgensen, Massimo Gobbi and the suspended Felipe Melo, but at least Riccardo Montolivo recovered. Catania also had a player banned, Gennaro Sardo, while Giuseppe Mascara, Gionatha Spinesi and Cristian Llama meant some reshuffling was required.

The Sicilians hadn't picked up a point here since 1970-71 and were without an away victory at all in 28 rounds.

Rocco Sabato's poor backpass was intercepted by Alberto Gilardino, but Albano Bizzarri came flying out to clear at his feet. Bizzarri could've done better when beating away an Adrian Mutu snapshot and Gila's header was just wide.

Mutu's free kick curled inches over the bar, but Catania went very close with Gianvito Plasmati's free header parried by Sebastien Frey, set up by a sensational Martinez overhead kick cross.

Bizzarri came rushing out to block at Gilardino's feet after the striker's first touch let him down.

Catania were certainly in this game and Giacomo Tedesco's swerving strike from the edge of the area forced Frey into a tough save.

Bizzarri did well to take the sting out of Mutu's free kick and block the ball before Gila could pounce.

Stevan Jovetico replaced Mario Alberto Santana at the break and within seconds Zdravko Kuzmanovic's ball flashes across the face of goal where neither Mutu nor Gilardino could get the final touch.

Mutu eventually broke through, as Kuzmanovic found space down the right and rolled across for Mutu to fire under the bar from six yards.

Jovetic went close to a second when his right-foot effort thumped the woodwork.

Gilardino made the most of a defensive error. He pounced on Lorenzo Stovini's backpass, flicked it over the goalkeeper and tapped in from a couple of yards.

Late on Sergio Almiron nodded a Juan Manuel Vargas cross wide with only Bizzarri to beat.